It is therefore irrefutable that AI is not only upending our everyday lives but has also transformed medicine and offers equally promising advances in the field of oncology. This technological revolution brings us great expectations, especially with regard to screening/early detection, diagnosis, and personalised cancer treatment programmes.

Early detection and diagnosis

Detecting cancer early is crucial to increasing individuals' survival rates. AI, through deep learning algorithms, is capable of analysing medical images with unprecedented speed and sensitivity. In this way, through in-depth analysis, it is capable of identifying anomalies in histological or imaging exams, with greater precision than that of more experienced specialists, increasing diagnostic accuracy and allowing for more targeted treatment.

Precision Oncology

Precision oncology consists of an approach that considers individual genetic variability, the environment, and lifestyle of each individual, in the personalised diagnosis and treatment of cancer patients. Using a massive amount of data and pattern analysis, based on genetic and clinical information, AI can help identify specific mutations that can be targeted by personalised therapies as well as select, among available treatments, those that may be most effective for a particular patient.

Development of new drugs

The development of new medicines is, as we know, a long and expensive process. AI can speed up this journey, particularly helping in the statistical processing of the immense amount of data normally involved in pre-clinical studies and in the initial phases of implementation, facilitating the identification of genetic changes and potential promising drugs; which promotes not only cost reduction but also the development of new therapies more quickly.

Assistance in daily clinical practice

AI-based systems can assist oncologists in making complex decisions by integrating, for example, data from multiple sources simultaneously - clinical histories, recent publications, international guidelines.

Another use of AI in oncology is the possibility of using virtual assistants to support patients. AI-based virtual assistants can provide information, monitor symptoms, and offer emotional support to patients. These systems can answer common questions, schedule appointments and reinforce treatment adherence.

Radiation oncology is another area in which AI has been used to help optimise radiotherapy plans, ensuring that the radiation dose is delivered accurately and safely to the tumour, minimising exposure to healthy tissue.

AI is a reality that is revolutionising our daily lives. Just like in medicine, it is also a promising tool in oncology, especially in early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer. Although it still presents some challenges, measures are being implemented to ensure respect for human rights and guarantee social well-being. Continuous collaboration between governments, health professionals, scientists, and computer engineers are necessary, along with the ethical development of technology. These partnerships encourage the exchange of knowledge and resources to ensure that advances can benefit all patients in an equitable and safe manner, allowing the personalisation of treatments to continue evolving to offer.


For more information please contact Grupo HPA Saude on (+351) 282 420 400.

This text is written by Dr. Magda Cordeiro, Medical Oncologist at HPA – Alvor & Gambelas